HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Environmental Advisory Committee_Tab 04_9/14/2022Agenda Item #4.
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)
STAFF MEMO
Meeting:
Staff Contact:
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) -Sep 14 2022
Robert Shaw
Department: Environmental Advisory
Committee
Potential VOT sponsorship and/or support of the upcoming Solar United Neighbors of Florida Palm
Beach County Rooftop Solar Co-op
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by completing
our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-768-0443.
PROJECT NAME: n/a
Proposed:
n/a
PROJECTED TOTAL: n/a
BUDGET: n/a ENCUMBERED: n/a
Projected Remaining:
n/a
EAC - Backup for Rooftop Solar Co-op Agenda Item.
Gmail - FW Palm Beach Solar Co-op Outreach Materials
Gmail - More Backup for Solar Agenda Item ....... FW Upcoming Palm Beach Solar Co-op
Page 25 of 36
Agenda Item #4.
Attached are questions posed by Tim Bradford regarding the
rooftop solar co-op which I forwarded to Laura Tellez at
Solar United Neighbors. Laura's responses are in flue
Does SUN have evidence that shows Co-op solar to be less expensive than
John Doe just contacting three ee providers ideas for a quote to add solar on his
rooftop? Yes, the biggest proportion t ion of costs going solar are
soft costs. This is bigger than an the labor and equipment cost.
Through the co-op installers are able to reduce their soft
costs including customer acquisition. These savings are
passed dowry to co-op members. Co-op members are welcome to
get other quotes if they like and move forward with or
without the co-op installer. We are happy to provide support
going solar no matter what wag co-op members go solar. They
are also no+ obligated to move forward.
One the Palm Beach County Co-op f o r 2022 is announced how long des a
property owner have to decide to sign up for inclusion in the
Co-op? The co-op is scheduled to close t ij new memberes on
j anuarg 17, 2023. However, if the co-op reaches the maximum
amount of participants before then it might close earlier. We
are seeing a higher interest in going solar in our South
Florida solar co-ops this year compared to the last few
years.
What is the average completion time from signing of the contract act to
final inspection for solar power installers that at are used by SUN in Co-
ops? Installation t ime i ines varies between inst a l ler�, a but it
mostly has to do with permitting times in various
municipalities and counties. We usually see about 10 weeks
from signed contract to installation.
Do SUN solar power installers used in co-ops have a good track record in
complying with municipal permit and inspection requirements and where
applicable, HOA architectural review requirements? The RFF process is
a very comprehensive process. We ask a lot of questions to
the installers. You can see a sample RFF here and a response
Page 26 of 36
Agenda Item #4.
template here. As part of the process, we ask for reference
and follow-up with them, check for licenses, equipment, etc
Is the SHIN solar Co-op program am turn -key, meaning if are electrician is
required it ed or a roofer er is required it ed for consultation and so on, does the
solar power installer take care of all of this from soup to nuts? Yes,
solar installations are turn -key and include the cost of
going solar from the design phase to installation. We ash. co-
op members some questions about roofing, their roof should be
in good condition before going solar.
Are commercial and multi -family housing allowed to participate in the
Palm Beach County Co-op? Small businesses can also join the co-
op. Bigger commercial projects s can join on a case by case
basis, sometimes the engineering and timelines for bigger
commercial projects s don't meek the co-op timelines, sometimes
they ey do. Townhouses where homeowners have rights to the roof
are generally straightforward installations, other types of
multi -family buildings might have some additional questions
and considerations that we ask when joining the co-op. Multi-
family can also join the co-op on a case by case basis.
Coo SUN solar installers have the ability or can they ey be required to tell
the property owner where the panels are manufactured? Can the property
owner specify which solar panel manufacturer or country of origin (e.g.
S vs. China) they ey want to be used for their installation? Homeowners
can ask where the panels are manufactured. Sometimes
installers offer more than one panel at co-op pricing,
sometimes they only offer one panel. The homeowner can choose
if they wank that equipment or not. Co-ops are cost and
commitment free to homeowners who are not obligated to move
forward with a solar installation.
Do SHIN solar installers have the ability to provide what I would call
ancillary related solar services such as (I) wall mounted solar power
storage, (2) modification of the electrical panel, if needed and (3 )
modification of power outlet(s) (240v) in a residential garage for fast
Page 27 of 36
Agenda Item #4.
EV charging? g inn? Yes, we ask installers all those additional
questions as part of the bid process. Most installers offer
of all those additional products/services.
Per Laura - "Lastly, I want to clarify that SHIN is are installer
neutral non-profit. We facilitate and put out a competitive
request for proposals, but a group of volunteers from the co-op
forms a selection committee and select the installer. The
installers are co-op installers and not SUN installers."
The following is question posed by David Brown (Town of
Jupiter Utilities Manager and liason to their
Environmental Task Force) which I forwarded to Laura
Tellez' for her response din blue).
As noted, we will explore possibly asking SUN to present before the Town' s
Environmental Task. Force in October. Ire the interim, I would appreciate
having inn the details on the process in which SUN assesses Fees for Service and
Membership Dues. According to their 2021 Annual Report, approximately 30 of
their annual 1 revenues are produced from these ese sources. We have a teat iona 1
membership program that at allows our network to donate what they can
(and we have suggested amounts) to support our work, have
discounts in our store and on our community solar and SRE6'
brokerage programs (these are not applicable in FL) . You can check
it out at solarunitedne'lghbors.org/member . Luckily, you live
in one of the states that we offer on -the -ground programming and
co-ops! Co-ops are free to join and a great wag to learn more
about going solar without any obligation or commitment. To support
our work and keep the co-ops free, we ask installers to pay a $600
development fee per signed contract. This is not passed onto
customers and is extremely different from the lead generation fees
they commonly pay for lists of names (cold and uneducated leads)
that range from $I a 000 - $3 a 000+ per lead --not contract. This fee
Page 28 of 36
Agenda Item #4.
goes right back into our programming amming and keeps all our guides,
help, co-ops, etc. free!
Page 29 of 36
Agenda Item #4.
Gmail Thomas Bradford <vot-tbradford.eac@gmail.com>
FW: Palm Beach Solar Co-op Outreach Materials
1 message
Robert Shaw <vot.rshaw.eac@gmall.com> Wed, Aug 31, 2022 at 10-45 AM
To: Thomas Bradford <vot.tbradford.eac@gmall.com>, Marguerite Wilson <vot.mwilson.eac@gma1l.com>,
vot.bfreese.eac@gmail.com, Russ Redman <vot. rred man.eac@g mail. com>, Jessica Namath <votJnamath.eac@gmail.com>,
vot.pstadelmann-eac@gmail.com, lbrandon@tequesta.org, Jeremy Allen <jallen@tequesta.org>
Hi A117
I just wanted to pass this along. I will discussing the topic of this Co-op at our next EAC meeting. Our Village
Manager & Council have asked that the EAC offer an opinion on whether the Village should assist in
promoting the Co-op. Other communities have already agreed to sponsor or promote it, and the town of
Jupiter has also put it on their schedule to consider as well.
I'll provide further back-up for our meeting pursuant to the co-op which will include answers to some
questions that Tom and the Town of Jupiter had.
Robert Shaw
Vice -Chair Environmental Advisory Committee
Village of 7equesta
From: Laura Tellez [mailto:ltellez a@solarunitedneighbors.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 9:57 AM
To: undisclosed -recipients:
Subject: Palm Beach Solar Co-op Outreach Materials
Dear Partners and Collaborators,
I have some exciting news to share with all of you! The Palm Beach Solar Co-op website is live. Even though we don't
officially launch until September 14, if you have a good opportunity to share the co-op you can go ahead and start sharing.
Outreach materials are also finalized and attached.
Links:
Co-op website: SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/PalmBeach
Co-op events: SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/PaimBeach/Events
Upcoming events:
Thursday, September 15 at 6pm
Page 30 of 36
Ag%n �TrPo
#A�ion
ar
Join us for a Solar 1O1informational webinaronThursday, September15 at8p.m.The solar experts atSUN will walk you
through solar technology, economics, incentives, and how the co-op works. Find +register for upcoming co-op events at
8o|arUniiedNeighbons.orB/Pa|mBeaoh/Evenia
Lastly, you might have already heard that with the passage of the IRA the solar Investment Tax Credit was restored to
30% and extended to 2032 Co-op members will beable to take advantage of these additional savings. This also
applies to storage. This is already effective any systems put in place January 1, 2022 to 2032. More information here.
The IRA will also help nonprofit organizations go solar. Entities that don't pay taxes (churches, schools, and charities)
were unable to benefit from solar tax credits. The IRA changes this. Tax-exempt organizations will be able to benefit from
federal solar incentives through onew "direct pay" option. This will start in2803.|twill allow nonprofit organizations,
private nonprofit and public schools, faith -based organizations, local and state governments, tribal governments, and rural
electric cooperatives to receive cash payments in lieu of tax deductions. We expect the IRS to provide guidance with more
details on how this will work soon. We will provide an update once this happens.
As a reminder some popular and effective ways toshare about the co-op: through your website'newsletters, social media
NnxDoor, water bill inserts, magazine, newspapers, etc.
Ifyou share onsocial media please tag ua
7witbar8oarNeighbons
Faoebook:So|arUniLedNeighbors ofFlorida
Linked|n: Solar United Neighbors
|nstaQnam-8o|arUnitedNeighbors
Important Dates:
Co-op launch: September 14
Info Sessions: Sopbember15
October19
November15
December
Please let meknow ifyou have any questions, need any additional materials or want to discuss ideas about how to
promote the co-op!
Keep shining!
Laura Tellez
South Florida Program Coordinator
954-546-2444
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SOLAR UNITr.0
11,,A E I G H B 0 k S
Ways to Support Solar: Go Solar Volunteer Donate
5 attachments
AwW
Join the Palm Reach 2022 Co -Branded Co-op Promotion Graphic (Email Banner).png
Solar Co-op!
121 K
9 4W,
Co -Branded Co-op Promotion Graphic (Square - FB, IG, Linkedin).png
253K
Co -Branded Co-op Promotion Graphic (Twitter).png
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Partner Social Media Posts.docx
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Sample Promo Language for Partners 2022.docx
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Page 32 of 36
Agenda Item #4.
N. Gmail
Thomas Bradford <vot-tbradford.eac@gmai1.com>
More Backup for Solar Agenda Item.......FW: Upcoming Palm Beach Solar Co-op
1 message
Robert Shaw <vot.rshaw.eac@gma11.com> Wed, Sep 7, 2022 at 9-51 AM
To: Thomas Bradford <vot.tbradford.eac@gma11.com>
Hi Tom,
More info. for back-up on Solar Co-op Agenda item.
The following is correspondence starting (at bottom of this email chain) with an email from Laura Tellez at
Solar United Neighbors to me announcing the co-op and asking if I could spread the word and get municipal
support.
I responded by sending an email reaching out to VOT's manager and council as well as leadership in
Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Palm Beach Gardens and North Palm Beach. Attached is the specific email
sent to Jupiter's leadership, but this was the general email sent to all municipalities including the VOT
The final email in the chain is from the Director of Utilities in Jupiter reaching out to Laura Tellez to arrange a
meeting with her and the town's Environmental Task Force.
Robert Shaw
Vice -Chair Environmental Advisory Committee
Village of Tequesta
From: David Brown [mailto:DavidB@jupiter.fl.us]
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2022 2:03 PM
To: ltellez@solarunitedneighbors.org
Cc: vot.rshaw.eac@gmail.com; Brittany George <BrittanyG@jupiter.fl.us>; Vivienannebunce@gmail.com
Subject: FW: Upcoming Palm Beach Solar Co-op
Good afternoon Laura,
My name is David Brown and I am the staff liaison for the Town of Jupiter's Environmental Task Force
(ETF). If possible, we would be pleased if you could offer your presentation to our Environmental Task
Force on October 10, 2022. Our committee will be meeting at the Jupiter Community Center, Room A, 200
Military Trail, Jupiter, FL at 6:00 pm.
Robert Shaw (Village of Tequesta, Environmental Advisory Committee) has shared information on your
initiative and we are intrigued. Our ETF could then advise our Town Council on the matter shortly thereafter.
Page 33 of 36
Agenda Item #4.
Please confirm your availability and attendance when you have an opportunity.
Thank you,
David
David L. Brown
Director of Utilities
Jupiter, Florida
(561) 741-2273 office direct
From: Robert Shaw <vot.rshaw.eac@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 12:51 PM
To: Town Manager <TM@jupiter.fl.us>; Kate Moretto <KateM@jupiter.fl.us>
Cc: Town Council <TownCounciI@jupiter.fl.us>
Subject: Upcoming Palm Beach Solar Co-op
Mr. Kitzerow,
I'm contacting you to inform you of an opportunity for the town of Jupiter to help promote rooftop solar to
your residents at discounts achievable thru a co-op program.
Please find attached correspondence I received this week from Laura Tellez, the South Florida Program
Coordinator for Solar United Neighbors (SUN). Laura gave a presentation to Village of Tequesta's
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) last year regarding what her non-profit offers Florida residents. I
serve as the Vice -Chair of the EAC.
While SUN serves as a free resource to FL homeowners where they can learn all about rooftop solar, their
main function is to assist in setting up rooftop solar co-op's in counties around the state.
Co-op's are designed to allow solar installers to compete for the aggregate business of all the homeowners
that sign up for the co-op. Given the competition for the bulk business in a specific county among the
installers, the cost to individual homeowners is typically significantly less in these co-op's than if the
homeowner were to solicit bids from installers on their own. SUN assists homeowner's in the co-op to
organize and create an installer selection committee. It's ultimately the co-op members that choose a
specific installer and not Solar United Neighbors. It's also important to stress that communities that partner
with SUN to promote the co-op would also have no participation in the selection of an installer.
Cities from southern Palm Beach County that have already agreed to partner with SUN to promote the co-
op are Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. Therefore there is a need for
Page 34 of 36
��o geAgendaM t4h6 word out up here in the northern part of the county.
suppo
Laura explained to me that a partnership with SUN simply means that a municipality would help spread the
word on the co-op. There is no financial responsibility of a partnering community other than any costs (if
any) of informing their residents. Laura also noted that if a community agrees to partner with SUN in
spreading the word, the communities' would be identified as a partner (if they wish) on any co-op literature
and their website specific to the PBC Co-op.
If you have any questions at all on this great opportunity to help Jupiter residents go solar at a discount,
please don't hesitate to contact Laura at Solar United Neighbors or myself.
Robert Shaw
Vice -Chair Environmental Advisory Committee
Village of Tequesta
(561) 440-4024
From: Laura Tellez [mailto:ltellez@solarunitedneighbors.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2022 4:33 PM
To: Robert Shaw <vot.rshaw.eac@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Upcoming Palm Beach Solar Co-op
Hi Robert,
It was great talking to you today. We are organizing a grassroot solar co-op project in Palm Beach County launching next
month. This is a cost and commitment -free for homeowners interested in solar energy. Co-ops focus on education,
consumer protection, advocacy and support in going solar. For these co-ops we hold several community sessions to
provide unbiased education to homeowners. Here's a quick 2-minute video on how the co-op works.
This is a grassroots project, local partners are key to sharing the programming in the community. Partnership is free
and informal and is a mutual show of support. Please find attached our state impacts as well as fact sheet for
government partners. For the upcoming Palm Beach Solar Co-op launching September 14, we are partnering with the
City of Boca Raton, City of Boynton Beach, City of Delray Beach and City of West Palm Beach.
Let us know if you would like to partner for the Palm Beach Solar Co-op that is launching in September.
If you would like to schedule a meeting to talk more about this project, discuss ideas on how to reach your community or if
you have any questions. We would love your help to spread the word about this opportunity and expand the use of the
abundant local sunshine to power your community.
Sunny regards,
Laura
Page 35 of 36
Agendl:
���,���u�� ToUez [mailto:ltellez@solarunitedneighbors.org]
Sent: Tueaday, August 2' 2022 12:42 PM
To. vo1.rehevveao@orneiioorn
Subject: Upcoming Palm Beach Solar Co-op
Hi Robert,
| hope you are doing well. VVeconnected last year when you invited meiopresent about solar Lothe Village of
lequesta. | am reaching out, because we are planning a Palm Beach Solar Co-op launching mid'Gepkemberand |
was wondering if the Village of Tequesta would be interested in partnering with the co-op to help us spread the
opportunity 10their residents.
Are you owsi|ab|a to talk about this project this week? What's your availability?
Thank you,
Louna7ell|ez
South Florida Program Coordinator
854'548-2444
pronouns: she/her/hers
.SOLAR UNITED
ZL
'NEIGHBORS
Ways to Support Solar: Go Solar Volunteer Donate
PLEASE NOTE: Florida has every broad public records law. Most written communications to or from the Town of Jupiter
officials and employees regarding public business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your
e-mail communications may besubject io public disclosure. Under Florida |ow, a'mei| addresses are public records. If you
do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this
entity. |noieod^ contact this office by phone or in writing.
Page 36 of 36